Wordless Wednesday~Super Boy

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's SUPER MINI #1! He has worn his cape everywhere for four days. Who needs a Bat Mobile when you have a bicycle to get you around while saving the world!

Happy Wednesday!

Tuesday's Tidbit~Ice Cream

Did You Know?

National Ice Cream Day is less than three weeks away!! That's right friends, July 18 is National Ice Cream Day. Aren't you thrilled you have someone like me to show you the light on these important holidays?

Although when it is 4371 degrees outside as it is here and the humidity is at 1000% percent, I am pretty sure that every day is Ice Cream Day.

"Ice cream is happiness condensed. " ~Jessi Lane Adams

I found this Ice Cream in a Bag recipe and I can't wait to try it with the minis. I am thinking of bringing along the ingredients and trying it with my cousin's minis next week on vacation.

Ingredients and Supplies

1 sandwich size zipper bag

1 gallon size zipper bag

1/2 cup whole milk

1 T. sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla

Ice (fill gallon bag halfway)

6 T. rock salt

Directions

1. Combine milk, sugar, and vanilla in small sandwich bag and seal tightly.

2. Add the rock salt to the large bag of ice.

3. Place the small sealed bag inside the large bag and seal.

4. Shake for about 5 minutes.

5. Open bags carefully to retrieve your single serving of homemade ice cream!

YUM! Get those ingredients and get shaking!

I think I might want to add some M&M's to my concoction. I'm sure you can never go wrong with some chocolate syrup too!

What's your tidbit to share today!

Happy Tuesday!

Why is it...

...that an entire bag of M&M's can disappear and you have no idea what happened to them?

...sometimes life is just so darn hard and the saying "everything happens for a reason" doesn't cut it or maky anyone feel better?

...your children can be such complete and utter angels when their eyes are closed and quite the opposite when they are open?

...those same children can make your heart ache because you love them so much?

...you can eat the above bag of missing chocolate candies and still want more comfort food by way of chocolate heaven?

...that thinking about vacation and all that has to be done before can leave you so exhausted that you are trying to think up your next vacation for a break from the first one?

...that thinking about going outside can make me sweat?

...that I can never get enough sleep?

...that I can watch the Real Housewives of New Jersey and New York over and over again and still enjoy the drama?

Why is it.... for you today?

Have a great day.

Pink & Green Thursday~South Africa

I have always been intrigued by South Africa and now that the world has its eyes on South Africa for the World Cup I want to go even more. What a diverse, beautiful, and unique place!

This week's Pink & Green Thursday hosted by the fabulous Pink Preppy Lilly Lover is all about South Africa.

They even have pink elephants (albino, but pink nonetheless.)And this is how we could travel in style while exploring the city. Although I might alter my outfit slightly and lose the teddy bear backpack, but that moped is fabulous.


Who is ready to plan that African adventure trip with me? Be sure to click over to Trish's blog to see what else is pink and green in the world and check out her always amazing photography picks. Happy Thursday!

Wordless Wednesday~I Can't Hear You

This completely sums up my daughter and her attitude. Happy Wednesday.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Just call me Alexander.

We all have them, but yesterday was definitely my terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

I had the minis out the door before 10 yesterday to do all kinds of things. I had a meeting last night that I was preparing for.

On the way to take Mini #1 to his first day of swim lessons, I had a car accident. It was my fault, an accident that isn't the biggest deal, but still one more thing to deal with.

AHHHHHHHHHHHH! Mini #2 is in a very bad mood this morning and can't quite decide if she is happy or miserable. Perhaps she should be Alexander #2.

I think I will just crawl in to bed and hope that tomorrow brings a new, not so terrible, not sp horrible, not so no good, and not so very bad day.

Weekend Life Tidbits

You know the saying "Learn something new everyday."

I learn something new everyday, or at least try to, but I definitely REALIZE things every day.

Here are a few from my weekend!

*Haircuts are FABULOUS! They can be uplifting, exciting, and empowering.

*Trying to style your new 'do just as your stylist does it (especially when she tells you how EASY it will be) is not fabulous, uplifting, exciting, or empowering.

*An email from a special new friend is wonderful. Friendships really do change lives and just because you can't see someone every day doesn't mean they aren't a vital part of your life.

*Moving is not fun and sofas, beds, and dressers are always heavier than you remember them being. (We didn't move, but Molly Lou sister and her husband closed on their first house on Friday, so we helped them...CONGRATULATIONS to them!)

*I continue to use . . . WAY TOO MUCH, but I'm ok with that. Consider it my personal trademark.

*Grandparents are lovely. My children adore my mother who came to watch them as her contribution to the big move. It is so fun to watch them together and see that look of love in the mini's eyes.

*Hearing a song on the radio that you haven't heard for years can immediately transport you back to a time in your childhood or teen years.

*Chocolate chip cookies are little pieces of heaven and can cure anything!

What did you learn or realize this weekend! Happy Monday...have a great day!

Snapshot Saturday~Little Anchors

On this edition of the Saturday Morning News, Mini #1 and Mini #2 will deliver all of your news and weather. Stay tuned...

And cut...

We went to a children's museum and this was one of the favorite things. I think we captured the news and weather for hours.

Happy Saturday...hope you all are having fantastic weekends.

A Little Diddy for Daddy

A Father Is: There in every memory

See his love and care

Strength and hands to count on

Freely he does share

Provider, toil so faithfully

To make our dreams come true

Give strong and tender discipline

Though it is hard to do

A Father is God's chosen one

To lead the family

And point it to His will for life

Of love and harmony...

~Sue Skeen
If the new American father feels bewildered and even defeated, let him take comfort from the fact that whatever he does in any fathering situation has a fifty percent chance of being right. ~Bill Cosby

Small boys become big men through the influence of big men who care about small boys. ~Anonymous

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. ~Clarence Budington Kelland A father carries pictures where his money used to be. ~Author Unknown

I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he's rich. ~Colonel Potter

Happy Father's Day to the Best Daddy! The minis and I are so lucky to have such a wonderful, loving, funny, supportive, and fun Dad! We love you!

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there! Enjoy your weekend!

Pink & Green Thursday~For the Love of Ice Cream

"Ice cream is exquisite. What a pity it isn't illegal." ~Voltaire

Ice cream just SCREAMS summer and when it is as HOT as it is here in the South, ice cream sounds perfect at any time!

"My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just enjoy your ice cream while it's on your plate that's my philosophy." ~Thornton Wilder

Feel free to join in on the Pink & Green Thursday's started by Trish. Hop over and link up to show your findings. How I wish that I was sitting and enjoying some pink ice cream with that sweet girl!

Happy Thursday!

Wordless Wednesday~Move Over Style Icons

I wonder if her fastion sense came from her mother or just an aspect of her own personality??

Tuesday's Tidbit

I had this wonderful, witty post all written and then the stars aligned just the wrong way, the internet did this lovely thing, and POOF it was gone. We are down visiting Mr. and the internet connection along with other things is less than stellar.



So, I will give you a Tuesday's Tidbit of a most perfect summer giveaway and a wonderful new summer recipe. The giveaway is hostd by the amazing Trish over at Pink Preppy Lilly Lover. I truly cannot say enough good things about her and I adore her more than she knows. It ends tomorrow, so you must hop on over and check it out. For the recipe, just look at that picture, doesn't it look amazing and it's quick too...





Scallops with Sweet Cucumber and Mango Salsa


Ingredients
1 cup long-grain white rice (such as jasmine)
2 mangoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 Kirby cucumbers or 1 regular cucumber, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
kosher salt and pepper
1 1/2 pounds large sea scallops




Directions
1.Cook the rice according to the package directions. (Mr. has been on the hunt for the perfect rice cooker and he found it...I don't know how we cooked rice "the old fashioned way" for so long.)


2.In a medium bowl, combine the mangoes, cucumbers, ginger, lime juice, 1 tablespoon of the oil, the cilantro, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; set aside.


3. Rinse the scallops and pat them dry with paper towels. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and cook until golden brown and the same color throughout, about 2 minutes per side.



4.Divide among individual plates and serve atop the rice with the salsa.


Hope to be around later...pray for me that I make through these episodes of being "unplugged."



Happy Tuesday. Have a great day.

Run, I mean click over to enter the giveaway at Trish's.

{Thanks to Real Simple for this yummy recipe and photo.}

Choices

We always have "interesting" car conversations. The minis often argue, laugh, play games, screech, and sometimes we have some deep life conversations or Q&A from Mini #1. Sometimes all of the above can happen in a 15 min. car ride.

After a couple of days of making really sad choices and having the "talk" about expected behavior and how life is all about choices, Mini #1 (and I) were sick of the subject.

Both of us just wanted to throw our hands in the air and give up. Each of us running around, doing whatever the heck we wanted and living in a blissfull state of unsafe chaos.

Yesterday offered a NEW day and a new beginning. We were having a lovely day and while in the car on the way to Grammy's house, Mini #1 was watching a movie and his sister was asleep in the back seat.

Mini #1: Sghs loudly and very dramatically. (I wonder where he gets that from.)

Me: "What's up Buddy? Are you ok?"

Mini #1: "Yes, I am just tired and mad."

Me: "What's wrong?"

Mini #1: "I just don't like always having to think about my choices and try to make good ones all of the time. I get tired of it."

Me: "I know what you mean, but sad choices aren't good for anyone. We have rules and expectations in our family that are there to keep you safe and happy. Mommy and Daddy have to make good choices too. Sad choices can hurt people or yourself. Mommy and Daddy are your parents and our job is to teach you and make sure that you are happy, healthy and safe. We love you so much and want wants best for you. Don't you think it is more fun to make good choices? We are all happy, have good days, and a lof of times when you make good choices, you get compliments and sometimes even rewards."

Mini #1: "Yeah, but sometimes it is really hard."

Me: "I know sweet boy. You are such a smart and loving big boy. We are so proud of you and most of the time, you make great choices. One day when you are a Daddy, you will love your children so much and will always make sure that your children are making good choices and learning new things every day."

Mini #1: "I don't ever want to be a Daddy if I always have to think about my choices AND a baby's."

AMEN to that sweet boy! Another important life lesson: Life is hard and it is all about choices.

Snapshot Saturday~A Little Father and Son Bonding

A little bonding on the water slide...doesn't this just scream SUMMER!!!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Summer Blueberry Love

"What is one to say about June, the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment of the promise of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that its fresh young beauty will ever fade." ~Gertrude Jekyll

Summer seems to be in full swing. I made this yummy blueberry tart yesterday and there wasn't a sad taster. Happy Friday!!!

Ingredients

flour for the work surface
1 8-ounce sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
2 cups blueberries

Directions

Heat oven to 375° F. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the sheet of pastry and roll it into a 10-by-12-inch rectangle. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Using the tip of a knife, score a 1-inch border around the pastry without cutting all the way through. Brush the border with the egg and sprinkle with the granulated sugar. Bake until golden and puffed, 18 to 22 minutes.

Using the tip of a knife, rescore the border of the cooked pastry without cutting all the way through. Gently press down on the center of the pastry sheet to flatten it. Let cool to room temperature, 15 to 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, with an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the cream, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of the confectioners’ sugar and beat until smooth. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly within the borders of the pastry.

Arrange the blueberries in a single layer over the filling and sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of confectioners’ sugar.

*I used reduced fat cream cheese to help with the calories and cut the confectioners sugar to 2 tablespoons instead of 3. I also added extra blueberries, probably closer to three cups. I love blueberries and had a lot touse. You could also add strawberries for a patriotic look and more fruit!

{Photo courtesy of Real Simple magazine...perhaps mine didn't look quite as perfect!}

Pink and Green Thursday~Bicycles and Balloons

Who doesn't love bicycles? Who doesn't smile when they see colorful balloons?

These pictures just make me so happy...I really want to be on this bicycle right now!

You know I love cupcakes and these just made me happy too, so I thought I would throw this yummy picture in too!

Head over to my sweet friend Trish's blog and join in the Pink and Green Thursday fun!

Happy Thursday. Have a great day!

{All images via here}

Wordless Wednesday~Little Volunteers

How beautiful a day can be

When kindness touches it.

~George Elliston

These are the minis carrying the meals (Mini #1 carries the meal and Mini #2 carries the milk/juice and dessert bag) at my favorite stop. Remember Ms. Sarah, who stands and waves at the door until I pull away...I think she waves longer now that both minis are the deliverers.

Happy Wednesday!